People Who Live in This Coastal Town Might Not Be Getting Enough Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel, or obtained through omega-3 supplements. But even for people living near fresh seafood sources, intake often falls short.

A new study from Newport, Rhode Island, found that the average Omega-3 Index of 234 residents was just 5.2%—well below the optimal 8% threshold. Despite easy access to fish, the results mirror national data showing that 98% of Americans have suboptimal omega-3 levels.

Omega-3 Testing Reveals the Gap

The study, supported by MegaRed, involved:

• Omega-3 Index testing

• Free health workshops and nutrition consultations

The campaign aimed to increase public awareness of omega-3 deficiency. As Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, cardiologist, explained, “Even people who believe they eat a healthy diet might still be omega-3 deficient. Like cholesterol or blood pressure, your Omega-3 Index is a number you should know.”

Omega-3s Are Essential—But Hard to Get Through Diet Alone

Omega-3 fatty acids are labeled "essential" because our bodies cannot produce them—they must be consumed through diet. Yet many Americans fall short due to:

• Limited access to seafood

• Dietary preferences

• High cost of fish

Ballstad Omega-3 offers a simple, reliable way to bridge this gap. It delivers concentrated EPA and DHA in a purified form, making it easier to reach optimal levels—even for those with limited access to fresh fish.

Omega-3 Deficiency in High-Risk Regions: The Stroke Belt

The low Omega-3 Index trend isn't limited to coastal areas. In the U.S. “Stroke Belt,” covering states like West Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, a large-scale screening showed:

• 42% of participants had Omega-3 Index levels below 4%

• Only 1% had a level above 8%

Dr. William Harris, lead researcher and co-founder of OmegaQuant, emphasized the implications: “A low Omega-3 Index is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Improving EPA and DHA intake could help reduce that risk.”

These screenings, organized by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, were conducted at health clinics, churches, and community events in underserved areas.

Why This Matters

Compared to general U.S. population data, those in the stroke belt had:

• 83% fewer individuals in the optimal Omega-3 Index range

• 20% more individuals in the high-risk category (<4%)

Raising omega-3 intake—through fish, fortified foods, or supplements—can play a vital role in heart disease prevention, especially in underserved communities.

American Children Also Aren’t Eating Enough Seafood

A recent AAP Pediatrics report showed that U.S. children consume very little seafood, missing out on omega-3s vital for:

• Brain development

• Eye health

• Immune function

• Sleep and cognition

Over 90% of the animal protein children eat comes from sources like beef and chicken, which lack omega-3s. Many families are unaware of the benefits of including omega-3-rich fish or supplements in their children's diets.

Even more concerning, an Omega-3 deficiency early in life has been linked to:

• Lower verbal IQ

• Delayed social and motor development

• Increased risk of allergies and asthma

Why Fish Should Play a Larger Role in Children’s Diets

The AAP report concludes that seafood, especially low-mercury fish, should play a larger role in the American diet. Pediatricians are encouraged to:

• Recommend omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, and trout

• Suggest omega-3 supplements for children with limited fish intake

When fish isn't an option, Ballstad Omega-3 is a clean, effective choice—sourced responsibly and designed to deliver child- and family-safe doses of DHA and EPA.

Are Plant-Based Sources Enough?

Although plant-based foods like chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed contain ALA (a short-chain omega-3), the conversion to EPA and DHA is inefficient. Most people cannot produce enough EPA/DHA from ALA alone to reach optimal health levels.

That’s why incorporating marine-sourced omega-3s, whether from fish or high-quality supplements, is essential—particularly for growing children and pregnant women.

Testing, Education, and Supplementation Are Key

Whether you live near the coast or far inland, omega-3 deficiency is common and consequential. The solution lies in:

• Testing your Omega-3 Index

• Increasing intake of fatty fish or fortified foods

• Supplementing with high-quality EPA and DHA products like Ballstad Omega-3

Improving omega-3 status has the potential to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, support child development, and enhance overall health across all age groups.

Credit: OmegaQuant Website